The Columbus Crew announced the signing of academy defender Keegan Hughes on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old Ohio native signed as a homegrown player through 2024 with club options through 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome another Crew Academy player to the First Team,” general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said. “During his time at Stanford, Keegan proved himself to be one of the top defenders in the collegiate game, and we are excited for him to return home to central Ohio.”
Hughes played four seasons at Stanford and had eight goals and seven assists in 73 starts.
He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
Hughes initially joined the Crew Academy as a 13-year-old in 2013.
–Field Level Media